Impact of anaesthesia mode on evaluation of LEEP specimen dimensions

Abstract

Objectives: To study the influence of anaesthesia (local by cervical block vs. general or spinal anaesthesia) on height and volume of resection specimens in case of conization treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Methods: Prospective observational study of all patients who underwent a first treatment by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for CIN. Height of fresh resection specimens was first measured by the operator and then by the pathologist after formaldehyde fixation. Volume of fresh specimens was measured in a measuring cylinder by fluid displacement.

Results: One hundred patients were included and 35% of LEEP were performed under local anaesthesia. There was a significant difference in height of specimens depending on anaesthesia mode: after fixation, the average height was 11.2mm in the general or spinal anaesthesia group vs. 8.8mm in the local anaesthesia group (P=0.002). There was also a difference in terms of volume depending on anaesthesia mode: 1.6mL in local anaesthesia group vs. 2.3mm in general and spinal anaesthesia group (P=0.01).

Conclusions: Anaesthesia mode has an impact on height and volume of LEEP specimens. In our experience, local anaesthesia could reduce LEEP specimen height.

Keywords: General anaesthesia; Local anaesthesia; Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).